Tomato Bread Soup
Tomato Bread Soup, also known as Pappa al Pomodoro, is a comforting dish that warms the soul. This hearty soup brings together fresh tomatoes and stale bread, creating a delicious meal that is both simple and satisfying. With its rich flavors and cozy texture, it’s perfect for any time of the year.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Tomato Bread Soup is an excellent way to use up leftover stale bread while enjoying a bowl of flavor-packed goodness. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also healthy and full of fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet!
How to Make Tomato Bread Soup
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 600 ml vegetable stock or water
- Basil leaves
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook down the mixture for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes start breaking down.
- Stir in the cubed stale bread and pour in the vegetable stock or water.
- Simmer the soup until it thickens and becomes pulpy, which should take around 20 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves to taste.
How to Serve Tomato Bread Soup
Serve your Tomato Bread Soup warm, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad, making it a perfect comforting meal.
How to Store Tomato Bread Soup
To store your Tomato Bread Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Tomato Bread Soup
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. If tomatoes are out of season, you can use canned tomatoes instead.
- If you like your soup a bit smoother, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- For a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes while cooking.
Variation
You can easily customize this soup by adding proteins like cooked chicken or beans for extra heartiness. Another variation is to incorporate herbs such as thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but stale bread adds a better texture to the soup. Fresh bread may make the soup a bit soggy.
Can this soup be made vegan?
Absolutely! Just stick with vegetable stock and skip any dairy toppings for a fully vegan meal.
How long does Tomato Bread Soup last in the fridge?
It typically lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
